Chateau Mouton Rothschild 1998

Review of the Estate

Château Mouton Rothschildis a wine estate located in the village ofPauillacin theMédoc, 50 km (30 mi) north-west of the city ofBordeaux,France. Its redwineof the same name is regarded as one of the world's greatestclarets. Originally known asChâteau Brane-Moutonit was renamed by Nathaniel de Rothschildin 1853 toChâteau Mouton Rothschild. It was the first estate to begin completechâteau bottlingof the harvest.

The branch of theRothschild familyowning Chateau Mouton Rothschild are members of thePrimum Familiae Vini.

TheBordeaux Wine Official Classification of 1855was based entirely on recent market prices for a vineyard's wines, with one exception: Château Mouton Rothschild. Despite the market prices for their vineyard's wines equalling that ofChâteau Lafite Rothschild, Château Mouton Rothschild was excluded fromFirst Great Growthstatus, an act thatBaron Philippe de Rothschildreferred to as "the monstrous injustice". It is widely believedthat the exception was made because the vineyard had recently been purchased by an Englishman and was no longer in French ownership.

In 1973, Chateau Mouton Rothschild was elevated to "first growth" status after decades of intense lobbying by its powerful and influential owner,the only change in the original 1855 classification (excepting the 1856 addition ofChâteau Cantemerle). This prompted a change ofmotto: previously, the motto of the wine wasPremier ne puis, second ne daigne, Mouton suis.("First, I cannot be. Second, I do not deign to be. Mouton I am."), and it was changed toPremier je suis, Second je fus, Mouton ne change.("First, I am. Second, I used to be. Mouton does not change.")

Robert Parker Mouton Rothschild 1998 Review

Score: 96 Points

Surprise, surprise! The 1998 Mouton has emerged as the greatest wine produced at this estate since the perfect 1986, of which the 1998 is somewhat reminiscent. Like many of its peers, it has filled out spectacularly. Now in the bottle, this opaque black.purple-coloured offering has increased in stature, richness, and size. A blend of 86% Cabernet Sauvignon, 12% Merlot, and 2% Cabernet Franc (57% of the production was utilised), it is an extremely powerful, super-concentrated wine offering notes of roasted espresso, crème de cassis, smoke, new saddle leather, graphite, and licorice. It is massive, with awesome concentration, mouth-searing tannin levels, and a saturated flavour profile that grips the mouth with considerable intensity. This is another 50-year Mouton, but patience will be required as it will not be close to drinkability for at least a decade. This wine rivals the 1996 and 1995. Anticipated maturity: 2012-2050.